Heart of Palm: What it is, types, benefits and how to eat
Table of contents
O palm heart is famous for integrating delicious recipes, thanks to its versatility. More than that, it contains excellent properties, which provide several health benefits. Many people don't know, but the palm heart is harvested from inside the palm trees of certain species Cylindrical, its color is white and its texture soft.
So, after removal, they are preserved in brine (water saturated with salt) and usually consumed cold.
Palm heart properties
The heart of palm is especially rich in Vitamin A, C and B-complex vitamins In addition, it is a source of minerals such as zinc, potassium, and sodium. Thanks to these properties, several health benefits can be observed from its ingestion.
When canned, there is no danger; however, it is important to pay attention to the packaging of the product, so make sure that the pot is hermetically sealed (by pressing the lid in the middle it cannot sink), and sealed. The main source of contamination for this botulinum toxin is by home canning.
Canned hearts of palm produced under inadequate conditions can cause botulism and leave serious sequelae or be fatal. Therefore, it is important to give preference to reliable brands.
Also, prefer glass jars so you can check the appearance of the palm hearts. Don't buy them if the water is not clear and transparent or if the palm hearts are floating, as this indicates lack of oxygenation, which will cause them to become hard.
See_also: Cashew nuts are fattening? Learn more about cashew nutsBenefits of hearts of palm
Helps with weight loss
Above all, the heart of palm is highly fibrous. Therefore, promotes the feeling of satiety Likewise, it helps the intestines to function better, which assists in the process of "deflating" and, of course, is extremely beneficial for the health of the intestinal flora.
See_also: What is the best period to lose weight after pregnancy?Read more: Want to lose weight? Take care of your gut
Improves sleep
Since this is excellent source of B vitamins It is known that when deficient in vitamin B5, the body tends to respond in such a way that feelings of fatigue, irritability, as well as depressive symptoms and muscle pains are highly uncomfortable. In this way insomnia becomes a problematic condition.
The consumption of hearts of palm combats this, since it is a source of these vitamins, such as B5.
Regulates blood pressure
Blood pressure is the pressure exerted by the blood against the wall of the arteries. In Brazil, high blood pressure, that is, higher than normal, is a problem that affects many people. According to the Brazilian Hypertension Society, the disease affects one in every four people.
This is because it is an abundant source of potassium, which helps normalize the pressure level.
Healthy Muscles
Rich in zinc, its consumption optimizes protein synthesis That is, this synthesis is the mechanism of protein production determined by DNA, and zinc is essential for this to occur.
Read also: 7 factors that prevent you from gaining muscles
How to consume palm heart
For sure, this is one of the most versatile foods and, of course, it can integrate the most delicious recipes.
In addition, many of the possible recipes are not only delicious, but also healthy.
- Risotto
- Salads
- Creams and soups
- Pie
- Lasagna
Heart of Palm Cream Recipe
Ingredients
- - 2.0 full tablespoons of common wheat flour
- - 200.0 grams of organic canned hearts of palm
- - 2.0 full tablespoons of Delícia Light Margarine with salt
- - 2.0 cubes of Knorr Vegetable Bouillon
- - 1.0 carton of Nestlé Light Cream
- - 2.0 tablespoons Vigor blue stripe light grated parmesan cheese
- - 1.0 liter of water
* This recipe may contain brand suggestions only for reference when calculating the nutritional information. Feel free to choose the product from the supplier or manufacturer you prefer.
Directions
In a pan, melt the margarine and add the wheat flour. Add a liter of boiling water, the vegetable broth, and the chopped hearts of palm, stirring constantly. Let it boil until it starts to thicken slightly. Add the heavy cream and the cheese. Mix well. Finally, cook for a few more minutes and serve.